SBRC Elementary Building Project Update
Discussion and Materials Covered at September 9 Public Meeting
The Dedham School Building Rehabilitation Committee (SBRC) held a virtual public meeting on Monday, September 9, 2024 to discuss ongoing progress and next steps related to the proposed Oakdale Elementary Building project. The meeting focused on the submission of the schematic design to the MSBA and future capital needs of several Dedham elementary schools.
If you were unable to attend the September 9 meeting, please visit the Dedham TV website for a complete recording: www.dedhamtv.com.
Schematic Design Submission to the MSBA
The committee reviewed the project budget that was submitted with the schematic design to the MSBA at the end of August. During the SBRC meeting on August 26th, the committee voted on several scope changes for the project, including removing $3.2M for additional sidewalks and roadway paving and construction, and adding $700K for synthetic turf fields. The SBRC, at its August 19 meeting, voted to add the purchase and installation of solar panels to the project budget.
Following these votes, the total project budget was revised downward to $105.8M. Included in this amount is the cost of the feasibility study, project management, architectural and engineering services, construction, furnishings, equipment and miscellaneous expenses. This figure also includes $5.8M in contingencies to cover unforeseen costs during construction.
Based on the final 3011 form submitted to the MSBA, the town expects to receive a $28.9M grant from the MSBA to help cover the cost of the project. This would lower the town’s share of the project to 72.6% for an estimated town cost of $76,829,284. The MSBA is scheduled to review and approve the schematic design and budget during their board meeting at the end of October.
Key upcoming votes on the project include:
- November 18: At Fall Town Meeting, Town Meeting members will vote on authorizing the borrowing to fund the project.
- TBD: A town-wide debt exclusion vote would need to be held before the end of February, within 120 days of the MSBA board meeting.
Future Capital Needs for Dedham Schools
The SBRC also discussed the capital needs for Dedham’s elementary schools. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ian Kelly and Facilities Director Matt Haffner presented an analysis of future capital needs for Dedham’s elementary schools, if the town opted to rehabilitate Oakdale rather than proceeding with the current project. The findings highlighted the high costs and challenges of bringing outdated school buildings up to modern code standards.
Considering a scenario in which the current Oakdale project does not advance, the cost of updating only the HVAC and electrical systems of the existing building would be greater than the building’s assessed value. These upgrades would trigger mandatory code compliance updates, as required by state regulations when renovations exceed 30% of a building’s assessed value within a three-year period. The School Department and Facilities Department noted that the scale of the required improvements would involve expensive structural changes and significant disruptions. The committee concluded that a comprehensive rehabilitation of these schools may not be financially feasible for the town, particularly without external funding sources like the MSBA grant, which would not apply to these renovations.
Similar capital needs were identified for Riverdale and Greenlodge elementary schools.
Ex-officio seat added for a Planning Board member
The SBRC voted to add a Planning Board representative to the committee as a non-voting member and to request that the Planning Board designate a member for this seat at its next meeting. This representative will provide important input on planning-related matters such as site development. The SBRC will vote to approve a specific Planning Board member after one is designated by the Planning Board.
Next SBRC Meetings:
The SBRC plans to host upcoming public meetings on the following dates (as of today):
- Monday, September 23rd – Community meeting and interior tour of Oakdale School
- Sunday, September 29th – Dedham Day - Materials available and 3D model display at the School Committee/SBRC tent
- Tuesday, October 8th
- Monday, October 21st
Additional meeting dates to be finalized and the above dates may change. Please review the Town website calendar at www.dedham-ma.gov/calendar and sign up for email notifications and updates at www.dedham-ma.gov/subscribe.
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